The massive formation advanced step by step toward the Hokage Building.
The crowd of onlookers swelled by the minute, and even the market vendors closed their stalls, afraid of obstructing the procession.
At first, the villagers had felt anxious upon seeing the Police Department gather in full force. But now, their eyes sparkled with admiration. Some civilian shinobi even began to fantasize about joining the Police Department—though they quickly dismissed the idea.
After all, since its founding, no one outside the Uchiha clan had ever been permitted to join.
Hyuga Hiashi had pulled Hinata from the clan compound to witness the scene. As he looked at the Uchiha Police Force before him, a complicated mix of emotions welled up in his heart.
The Hyuga and Uchiha were the two great dōjutsu clans of Konoha. So why did the Uchiha possess such unity and momentum, while his own clan remained shackled—its members numb, burdened by bitterness? The main and branch families eyed each other with veiled hostility. That cursed Caged Bird Seal...
Amid the envy and shock of the onlookers, the Police Department continued its steady march until they reached the Hokage Building.
"Stop!"
At Uchiha Hikaru's command, the entire force halted in perfect unison and smoothly sheathed their ninja swords.
"Adjust your appearance."
Each member swept their left and right hands across their shoulders, smoothing the wrinkles from their uniforms in synchronized motion. The only sound was the soft swish of palms brushing fabric.
Hikaru stepped forward to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, what do you think of the results of the Police Department's reforms?"
Hiruzen was overwhelmed—impressed to the point of envy. Why hadn't he thought of this approach himself? The Uchiha had made a powerful impression today. And more importantly, they appeared to be submitting to him.
That's what Hiruzen thought.
He believed the Uchiha had finally chosen obedience—a feat even his master, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, had failed to accomplish. Pride swelled in Hiruzen's chest. A sense of superiority came with it.
"Excellent. I'm very pleased with the Police Department's transformation. This was truly impressive."
Hikaru gave a subtle smile. As expected, the old man still hadn't caught on to the deeper plan. That meant he could proceed with the next step—unhindered.
"Hokage-sama, that's not all. There's still one more piece of important news."
"Oh?" Hiruzen perked up, already curious. He had been bracing for trouble from the Uchiha today, but instead, they were bringing him nothing but good surprises.
"Go ahead," he said, barely concealing his eagerness.
Hikaru turned and addressed the gathered villagers:
"Starting tomorrow, the Uchiha Police Department will no longer be exclusive to the Uchiha clan."
"Any Chunin or higher-ranked ninja who wishes to contribute to the village and maintain peace may apply to join."
"As long as you pass the ability test, every rank is open to you—even my position as Deputy Commander."
"I believe that with new voices joining us, the villagers will truly feel the change in the Police Department."
There was a moment of stunned silence.
And then—
Excitement exploded across the crowd. Civilian shinobi practically sparkled with anticipation. Even other clan shinobi were stirred.
This was the Police Department—the only officially armed law enforcement unit within Konoha. They had the authority to detain suspects, conduct raids, and enforce justice on behalf of the Hokage. No one had expected the Uchiha to voluntarily share this power.
Hiruzen was so excited he accidentally snapped his pipe in half with one hand. This move from the Uchiha dramatically reduced their threat level. If this kept up, they'd become as declawed as the modern Hyuga—docile, powerless, and obedient. Hiruzen imagined his legacy solidifying: The Greatest Hokage in Konoha's History.
"That concludes the Uchiha's revisions to the Police Department," Hikaru said formally. "I hope it meets with your approval, Hokage-sama."
Fugaku stepped forward then. It was his job to deliver the official closing statement—after all, he was still the clan's nominal head. The public couldn't know that Uchiha Hikaru was the true leader behind all this. They had to keep that secret from opportunists like Danzo.
Fugaku had often shown weakness before Hiruzen, but the Third Hokage was particularly pleased today. Uchiha's performance—and Fugaku's apparent humility—made Hiruzen feel validated. He was practically glowing.
"Very good. I'm extremely satisfied with these reforms," Hiruzen said with a broad smile. "I hope Minister Fugaku continues to serve the village well."
Beaming, he turned and walked back into the Hokage Building—likely planning to ride the high of the moment with another peek into the women's bathhouse via his crystal ball.
The police force, led by Hikaru and Fugaku, withdrew in formation, leaving behind waves of whispers and admiration from the villagers. Some even started plotting ways to marry into the Uchiha clan, thinking it the fastest path to glory.
Uchiha Itachi watched from the shadows, his expression unreadable. Hikaru's plan had worked flawlessly. In just one week, tensions between the Uchiha and the rest of the village had visibly eased. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen looked satisfied.
But now was the time to report to Danzo.
Unlike Hiruzen, Danzo harbored deep-rooted suspicion and hostility toward the Uchiha. It was essential to understand how that old viper would respond.
Silently, Itachi's form melted into the shadows, disappearing down an alleyway.
——
Inside the Root headquarters, Uchiha Itachi knelt on one knee, clad in a white, cat-faced ANBU mask. Before him stood Shimura Danzo, gripping his cane tightly with both hands. His right eye was concealed beneath a fresh white bandage, his chin tilted up so he seemed to look down on the world from above.
"Hmph. The Uchiha clan is up to something," Danzo sneered. "They would never become this obedient just because Shisui died. It's a trick."
"You're different, Itachi. You and Shisui were the exceptions—true shinobi who cared for the village. Successors of Uchiha Kagami's will."
"In the coming days, continue gathering intelligence. Report to me first. Hiruzen is too old and soft. He's been deceived—blinded by their performance."
"Yes, Danzo-sama."
With that, Itachi accepted the order and departed silently.
But his thoughts swirled darkly.
He now found Danzo utterly repulsive.
Yes, the Police Department's reforms had been carefully orchestrated. But their goal had been to reduce friction between the clan and the village. To avoid bloodshed. To build trust.
And yet, no matter what the Uchiha did, Danzo always saw conspiracy. Always suspected them of treason.
He claimed to be Konoha's "root," working in the shadows to protect it. But Itachi saw the truth now—Danzo was nothing more than a parasite feeding off the village's lifeblood. A manipulator who twisted everything to serve his own selfish ends.
Later that day, Itachi returned to the Uchiha compound and reported Danzo's command to Fugaku and Hikaru.
Hikaru gave a cold smile.
"Feed him only surface-level information," he instructed. "Let him drown in it."
"Who knows," Hikaru added dryly, "maybe it'll spark that old fire between him and Hiruzen again. Let them relive their youth... clawing at each other like the good old days."